Santa Claus visits BOCES students

HERKIMER — Santa Claus visited with nursery school children who are being taught by Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES juniors in the early childhood education program on Dec. 19

Santa started visiting the classroom when Richard Congdon, who is now the Dolgeville police chief, was the criminal justice instructor at Herkimer BOCES.

Santa’s visits were a way to show the students how important it is to give back to the community. “I enjoy it,” Santa said.

The early childhood education students also learn from the experience by making sure they’re aware of which cultures each student comes from and which holidays they celebrate, early childhood education teacher Kim Fragetta said.

The students also learn to not start bringing up holiday activities too far in advance because anticipation over too long of a stretch of time can result in stress for children, she said. When Santa does arrive, it’s a fun event for the children.

“Some children are very excited to see Santa and interact with him, while others are spectators,” she said.